If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are many practical ways you could help. Being available to listen, taking the person to an appointment, or encouraging them to contact professional support, are all simple steps and can be life-saving.
We discuss these and other practical ways to help someone experiencing domestic violence in this panel discussion with Lily McKeich (Salvation Army National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist), Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program), and Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House).
When we hear stories about the devastating impact of domestic violence, it’s easy to feel powerless. But there are many practical ways we can all help to make a difference.
That’s the encouraging news from Helping Hands panelists, Lily McKeich (domestic violence specialist at the Salvation Army), Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program at Small Steps for Hannah), and Lisa Annabel (CEO at Biyani House).
Practical Ways To Help
When someone is experiencing domestic abuse, simple steps of support can include:
Practical support like this can be life-changing, says Lily McKeich; “Things that feel really ordinary can have [an] extraordinary impact for people.”
Lisa Annabel puts it this way; “You're not the specialist, and you can't fix the problem,” she says, “but you can listen to them and support them without judgment, and help them connect with the people they need to… [And] where there's an immediate safety danger, then encouraging them to call the police.”
The Role of Crisis Accommodation
If a victim is not safe to go home, crisis accommodation is available. One such place is Biyani House in Sydney. It provides a refuge, and also supports with:
“Our teams stay with them during that process and continue to support them [after they] move into their new homes,” continues Lisa.
Preventing Violence at the Source
Working to bring change from a different angle is Dave Kramer. With his HALT program, he teaches high school students about respectful relationships, and is a strong advocate for challenging disrespectful attitudes among men.
“[We aim to] provide people with the skills… to hold someone respectfully accountable,” he says.
Dave believes that approaching situations with “curiosity and empathy”, can help change someone’s behaviour and prevent violence.
“If we notice offhand comments or jokes [that] degrade women, then we can step in… and say, ‘We don't do this anymore’,” says Dave. “[We can] hold them up at that point of disrespect.”
Lily McKeich agrees, saying that “we all have a role to play in ending family violence”.
“When we speak up, [we’re] working towards preventing violence before it happens.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, please call 1800 RESPECT, or Lifeline: 13 1114.
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